Trapital

This discussion dives into the fascinating dynamics of the Grammy Awards, highlighting the rise of international artists like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar's nominations. Guests analyze the evolution of the voting body and its attempts to diversify, touching on how past winners might have changed under a new system. Economic impacts of Grammy wins are unveiled, revealing how winners experience significant boosts in both income and touring opportunities. The conversation also imagines alternative outcomes for iconic past nominees, sparking lively debates on cultural shifts.

At our Trapital Summit, Nathan Hubbard joined me in stage to discuss Firebird Music’s investment thesis, working with Yungblud, and the business of Taylor Swift. CHAPTERS 04:06 Firebird’s Mission 06:46 Yungblud’s Case Study 14:16 Investing in Management Companies 21:03 Finding New Talent 23:34 Is Taylor Swift the Best CEO in Music? SPONSORS Chartmetric: Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week. Splice: Learn more about Splice’s brand new virtual INSTRUMENT LINKS & SOURCES ⁠Trapital newsletter⁠⁠ Trapital Summit 2025⁠ Guests: Nathan Hubbard, ⁠Firebird Music⁠⁠ Every Single Album⁠ Podcast TRAPITAL Where technology shapes culture. New episodes and memos every week.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Sklar, a partner at Shamrock Capital with over ten years of experience in investing across music, film, and gaming, shares valuable insights. He explores the booming market for music rights and the diverse approaches different buyers take. Jason also delves into how AI is shaping fan interaction and music experiences, and highlights the complexities of valuing film rights. With a focus on integrating music into gaming, he outlines exciting investment strategies and opportunities in this ever-evolving landscape.

Andrew Sanchez, CEO of Udio, dives into how AI is reshaping the music industry, emphasizing creative co-creation over replacement. He discusses the importance of fostering trust between artists and technology while exploring innovative business models for monetization. Tati Cirisano, VP at MIDiA Research, adds industry insights, prompting a reflection on historical tech shifts and the need for cooperation. Together, they envision a future where artists and fans collaborate more closely, creating equitable frameworks and unique musical experiences.

Steve Pamon, CEO of VERZUZ and a veteran entertainment executive with experience at HBO, NFL, and WWE, shares insights on creating impactful live events. He discusses the art of storytelling and team execution in scaling moments into franchises, using examples like Beyoncé and Coachella. Pamon warns against high ticket pricing that alienates fans and highlights the importance of consistency and cultural conversations. Additionally, he reflects on logistics and fan experience improvements, revealing lessons learned from the WWE and the challenges of distribution in the music industry.

Andreea Gleeson, the CEO of TuneCore, discusses her passion for empowering independent artists while diving into TuneCore's global impact and recent growth milestones. She highlights the significance of both superfans and micro-audiences in an artist's strategy. Gleeson also shares insights on upcoming tools and features designed to help artists maximize their reach and revenue. With the independent music scene booming, she addresses challenges such as market fragmentation and the influence of AI. Tune in for an inspiring look at the future of music.

Kakul Srivastava, the CEO of Splice and a tech veteran from Adobe and GitHub, dives into the transformative power of technology in music. She discusses Splice's strategic acquisition of Spitfire Audio, emphasizing its rigorous recording standards and the integration of AI tools. Kakul shares insights on the balance between creative control for artists and the need for respect in AI usage. She also highlights the importance of data-driven growth and the future of royalty-free models in kickstarting creativity and supporting creators.

Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music and International Content, shares insights from his experience shaping Apple’s music strategy. He reflects on the evolution from iTunes to Apple Music, emphasizing a quality-first and artist-focused approach. Schusser discusses the impact of AI on music experiences and its creative potential. He also details Apple’s involvement in major live events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show and their measured approach to sports rights, all while navigating the challenges of artist compensation in streaming.

Elliot Grainge, founder of 10K Projects and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, shares insights on his recent leadership transition. He reflects on selling 10K Projects and the emotional journey behind it. Elliot discusses how scrappy tactics can be adapted for superstars like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran, particularly in creating cultural moments and employing real-time marketing strategies. He also explores the impact of AI on the music industry, offering a forward-thinking perspective on artist development and innovation.

Tati Cirisano, an Analyst at MIDiA Research, joins the conversation to dissect the recent Trapital Summit. She reveals the challenges faced, including a surprise venue change due to bankruptcy. The discussion highlights key moments and valuable feedback from attendees. They delve into the roles of AI and industry trends, emphasizing the transformation of artists into multifaceted brands. With reflections on programming decisions and future aspirations, Tati offers insights into how collaboration and authenticity are reshaping the music landscape.